2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Pros

Handsome styling

Good acceleration

Instantaneous transmission shifts

Smooth braking

Smooth handling

Roomy interior

Simple car-seat installation

Cons

Cheap interior plastics

Slight diesel noise at idle

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5

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a no-frills car, that's for sure. It's also a smooth-handling fuel-efficient ride, with a particular emphasis on highway driving. If you're in the market for a diesel vehicle, we think this Volkswagen is a great choice.

The TDI engine has a unique (noticeable but not noisy) sound, and provides plenty of power, although there is a slight initial lag in acceleration typical of turbo engines. The Jetta's sporty look is echoed in its exquisite handling as well. Curvy roads and onramps are a breeze, although the Jetta's suspension is more tame and comfortable than the sportier A3, which shares the same turbo diesel engine as the Jetta. Chock the driving experience up to the Jetta's DSG (direct-shift gearbox) transmission: it virtually reads your mind, always finding the right gear, and disengaging completely at rest (as if you had put it in park) to save gas. Besides the Jetta's sporty steering on the road, we found it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, aided by high visibility and lots of window space. All in all, this diesel vehicle is great for the enthusiast driver in your family.

The Jetta, is handsome, and significantly less expensive than the similar Audi A3 wagon. Our consumer testers liked the Jetta interior's simple but basic controls layout and exterior side-mirror blinkers, but they also noticed the rather basic interior and cheap-seeming plastic.

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